Pakistan's Diplomatic Opening: Why Iran and the US Need Islamabad

Pakistan is now the go-between in talks between the United States and Iran. Prime Minister Sharif secured Iran's agreement to negotiate in April, then delivered a revised Iranian proposal to Washington in May. Iran's president visited Islamabad on June 23, days after talks in Switzerland showed progress. This positions Sharif as indispensable to both sides—giving Pakistan leverage it needs as its economy struggles.